Saudi-owned television news channels Al Arabiya and Al Hadath have announced the establishment of a new editorial board which aims to raise standards 'to new heights'.

In a statement, Waleed Al-Ibrahim announced the board, headed by AbdulRahman Alrashed and including Mazen Turki Al-Sudairi, Ali Hedeithy, Salman Al-Dossary and Faisal J. Abbas.

Al-Ibrahim also announced the appointment of veteran journalist Dr Nabil Khatib as the new general manager of Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, succeeding Turki Al-Dakhil, who held the position since early 2015.

Al Arabiya is based in Dubai and is regarded as a competitor to Al Jazeera.

Al-Ibrahim said: “The main objective behind the establishment of the editorial board is to provide both channels with the best available human capital and expertise, while noting that it enjoys the kind of independence that’s necessary to secure the highest levels of professionalism, editorial integrity and credibility.'

He added that the board will support the management of Al Arabiya and Al Hadath 'while helping streamline the business, across multi-platforms and touchpoints'.